Weight loss trends come and go. But when a product or diet is backed by medical research, there’s a chance that it’ll be recommended or prescribed — as these supposed miracle weight loss drugs are more likely to be effective and less likely to be a fad. However, almost every medication comes with a long list of warnings.

Ozempic and Wegovy — Did We Finally Find the Miracle Weight Loss Drugs?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42% of adult Americans suffer from obesity. This has always been a concern that’s continuously growing — because it’s a well-known fact that people who are overweight and obese are at risk for various health problems.

There are several ways to lose weight — but the most commonly known solution is a change in one’s lifestyle. Such as exercise and being conscious about food intake. But some medications can potentially aid in weight loss. Recently, Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide) have been in demand due to the reported positive effects on the overweight and obese.

Semaglutide was primarily prescribed for patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes. The medicine works by mimicking a certain hormone produced by the stomach (the Glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1). GLP-1 is responsible for the production of insulin. Thus, Semaglutide is used by type 2 diabetics because it regulates their blood sugar levels. 

Eventually, studies found that patients who were on Semaglutide lost a noticeable amount of weight. And just recently, the drug has been approved by the FDA as weight loss aids for people aged 12 and above. But it’s not just young children who can’t be on Semaglutide.

People who suffer from type 1 diabetes aren’t supposed to be prescribed Semaglutide. Those who had pancreatitis before also shouldn’t be on this medication — as well as patients with endocrine problems (or problems with their hormone production) like thyroid disease/s and cancer. In relation to this, Semaglutide can increase a person’s likelihood of developing thyroid cancer.

Weight Loss Treatments: What You Need to Know

Whether a drug is available to purchase over the counter or not, you should still ask for your physician’s approval. And even if you’re planning to lose weight by exercising — it’s still a huge lifestyle change especially if you were previously sedentary. It’s best that you get yourself checked up by a professional first to make sure you don’t have any underlying problems (like heart diseases or high blood pressure).

Summary

Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide) seem to be the newest weight loss treatments — and they’re reported to be effective in several people who suffer from obesity. But Semaglutide’s effects can only be noticed after long-term use. Therefore, it can’t be considered to be a miracle weight loss drug — as there hasn’t been any medication found to effectively do that (yet). Until then, changes in one’s lifestyle (diet and exercise) are the most proven ways to combat obesity. But prevention will always be the key.

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